All about my adventures in finding things - vintage, pre-loved or uniquely new - and, in some cases,
making them 'dandy' by adding to them.
dan·dy [dan-dee] adjective: something or someone of exceptional or first-rate quality.

Friday, 28 June 2013

In a week where we have the roof off the garage and all our belongings in the yard in trailers under tarpaulins accompanied by Sydney's wettest weather in months, nay years, you would think the idea of purchasing more stuff would be the farthest from my mind. You would think, but the op shops call to me. I was literally driving home and was compelled to turn left and visit an op shop I hadn't seen in a while. I tried to convince myself that it was because I had some things to donate in the boot, yes I do take stuff there too, but really I only remembered them when I had my haul to fit in. I was excitedly blessed by a number of little joyful finds and only share some with you here.

A milk glass bowl with pink rose detail sitting on top of some Irish linen placemats in the most divinely complimentary colours that come with matching napkins.

The placemats were part of a $2 linen lottery bag along with some gingham green and blue placemats. I love an opshop lucky dip! For those uninitiated some opshops bundle less valuable items together in bags to sell more and clear room - often you can't see all the contents so you take a bit of a gamble as to what's really inside but it's hardly high stakes and usually pays off. The anticipation is worth it and what I don't want I donate back - win win!

I hope your gambles pay up big this weekend, or even just small in the most delightful way.

This post has been a long time coming - so long in fact you may have forgotten where I started. I posted all about finding photo print perfection everywhere about 2 weeks ago in my Finding Everywhere regular post (soon to be more regular again). Then about how you can Appreciate or Emulate it, Decorate or Celebrate with it, and now finally get ready to Titivate.

The reasons it has taken me so long are related to family winter colds, garage roof removals in preparation for renovations accompanied by the wettest Sydney weather in months, no years, and more relevantly the enormous amount of amazing photo print fashion I found.

I have been really drawn in by the photo print look and the opportunities digital printing on fabric presents. I have been searching through some amazing designs and collections and have been finding it hard to edit it down for you.

I am by no means a fashionista, and some of these are not that current as fashion is meant to be so very now, now, now, but with this selection I am more drawn to the beauty of the items themselves than thinking that, some of them at least, are realistically making it to my wardrobe anytime soon. They are however stunning and or clever and really do take me on a journey.

Here are some picture perfect fashion pics I picked for you

The above is from the runway show of fashion designer Pedro Lourenço. The escape into it quality of this top is breathtaking as are a lot of the pieces from this 2012 collection which you can see more of here

The above 2 images are from Etsy store Dream Nation. All their pieces are made from certified organic cotton and bamboo and digitally printed in Dream Nation own patterns. The top image is of a Hotel Sign skirt paired with an Old Route 66 top and the bottom is their kids Harem pant in sky pattern. I love the uniqueness of their designs and that through Etsy unique design is so accessible.

Another unique and clever store I found via Etsy is How very Dare. Their style is so very bold, graphic and strong. The pictures above are from their Trash to Treasure and Skate or Die ranges.

It seems 2012 was a big year in photo print fashion so maybe I am a bit behind the times but from what I have seen it is not going anywhere soon. The above skirts are from the surprisingly beautiful 2012 collection of Karla Spetic. The surprise is in just how beautiful these simple urban landscapes become when cut and framed as fashion pieces. I recommend looking over the rest of the collection as the colour, image, cut combination is lovely.

The surreal presentation of this Nowhere collection by Milan based fashion label Marios shouldn't put you off from the 'not off the peg' beauty of their work - I hope you enjoy. The video is an especially bizarre little journey in itself.

Lastly this silk scarf is by Las Coleccionistas, also via Etsy, and is from their Sierra limited edition collection printed with original photographs. It is stunninngly beautiful but also deserved a special mention for the beautiful box it is delivered in featuring a copy of the photograph and information on where it was taken.

So there it is a collection of picture perfect ways you could Titivate. Not my usual style but fashion taking me places I didn't expect. Wearable art is really what fashion is all about so express yourself, and in these instances, the photographer too.

Friday, 21 June 2013

It is no secret here that I love other peoples unfinished craft projects, I have my own as well but they are a frustration rather than a delight. I especially love finding unfinished embroideries and needle points at op-shops and I have no intention of finishing them. It is their incomplete, given up on selves I appreciate so much. The enthusiasm that the project was started with is evident, even in the tiniest areas of coloured thread, but at some point the maker couldn't make it and here it is right where they finished.

A few weeks ago I found a new favourite in this Paddington Bear 'artist' in the op-shop and I want to frame him just as he is for a children's bedroom wall. (maybe with an iron?) The little speech bubble above the picture of Paddington on the packet says it all "I can't wait to start my Paddington Artist Picture'. I for one am glad they could wait to finish it.

Saturday, 15 June 2013

As I mentioned yesterday I would normally post all things relating to this weeks Finding Everywhere theme, and how you can Decorate, Celebrate, Titivate and Participate with it, in one post but this weeks photo print perfections have been too numerous to share in one place so here is part 2

To personalise a gift it is not just about what's inside - the anticipation of what treasure lays within is only made all the more special by thoughtful wrapping - here are some of favourite photographic gift wrap ideas

A wedding is all about particular special people - well any celebration for that matter - and photo displays of the people the event is to honour, and in some cases the guests, personalises the event for everyone

Thursday, 13 June 2013

With a photographer as a partner I am never short of a visual feast. Living with great images is truly a joy.

In Monday's Finding Everywhere you would have seen how living with great pics can be taken to new extremes, and onto anything you could imagine, here are some more ideas on how you can take that great image off the camera, computer or phone and bring it into your home and life.

Ordinarily I would also include here ideas on how to Celebrate, Titivate and Participate but this time I have just found too many beautiful images and pin-spirations so decided to break it up.

I am lucky enough to have access to some great pics but like builders houses never being complete we haven't gotten around to hanging many of my partners photos yet - one of the reasons is we need it to be BIG - the bigger the better - and that takes finding the right wall and the right frame and, well, the funds. Soon though we will maximise the prints and I can only hope to achieve something like this.

Below is a selection of interiors that truly sing because of the great photo print on the wall.

If you are feeling even bolder and more cashed up make it even BIGGER - the whole wall in fact.

The serenity created by the first two is something special but this last one is beautifully whimsical and 70's esq. I am regretting the fact that I once lived in a house in my early 20's with a pine forest scene wallpaper in the foyer and didn't take a photo - memories.

Monday, 10 June 2013

In this digital age most of use store our pictures in the virtual zone only, plus the odd favourite one or two on the fridge door, but not these great makers and creators, they have taken their pics anywhere and everywhere for your viewing pleasure.

Finding Everywhere - photo print, image items, pictorial pretties.

1. Art-inspired wooden knobs by Chocolate Creative Homewares with landscape and beach designs2.Norway Fjord Fogged In Ombre throw pillow cover by Loud Waterfall Photo on etsy3. Navy Wave Small Canvas Pouch - Dezso by Sara Beltran Tulum available at www.shopstyle.com.au4. For the lumber jack in your life or in you the Malaka 4 t-shirt from DADADA studio5. This, believe it or not, is a dress for a doll. When I first saw it I saw just the dress and imagined what a fabulous wedding dress it would make for someone so it really could/should be upscaled. The dolls are more characters than dolls and all are by Le train fantôme6. Carousel Photography Embroidery Hoop Art by Juillian Audrey Designs on Etsy - I love this application of a photo for framing and may have to give it a try myself.7. This sweet leaves print bag was featured in the online gallery of Edit, the Woolahra based store of the former editor of Vogue Vogue Living Sharyn Storrier Lyneham8.Meadow Print Dress girls dress by Next in the UK9.Red Lake English Romantic Cushion also by Chocolate Creative Homewares10. Last but oh my word not least Marianne carved french country bed upholstered in dandelion field fabric by Chair Couture

Friday, 7 June 2013

The kind of week it's been where I find Friday where Wednesday is supposed to be again. Oops!

Other kinds of finding have been limited this week but today I found a cardigan that I find impossible to resist - its not mine - yet - but I am seriously contemplating purchasing it at all costs. Stripes, red and blue, PARROTS!

Yep Polly really want that cracker!

I will let you know if/when it makes its way to my avery. In the meantime have a great weekend whether you plan on scratching around, flitting about or just perching.

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Find out about me

I am a mum and an interior design student with a love (some would say addiction) to 'finding' things in all manner of ways - off the street, in second hand shops and at garage sales. I also don't mind a beach-comb it must be said.
Here you may also hear about my adventures in 'finding' the great things in life along with my family and friends and having a 'dandy' time doing it.
A find: something found; a discovery, especially a valuable or gratifying one.
To find oneself: to discover where one's real interests or talents lie, and follow them.